Milestone Reached

Just completed the new Draft Five. What previously had been 35 pages has grown to 53 pages (106 half pages in Publisher). I've added two narrators (space aliens) who eavesdrop on the class and comment not unlike these quipping pop culture icons:

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Muppets Two Old Men

Furthermore, I've isolated 22 main characters and have given them names, ages, majors, motivations, and philosophical orientations. It's like I'm playing chess while simultaneously inventing the pieces and the moves they make. I've created these 22 characters and turned them loose to listen to Dr. Q jabber on and on about life's futility.

So now, at long last, I begin the delicious task of making model sheets. I'm fighting the temptation to buy my Bamboo Tablet yet. I'll tackle this next stage of the journey with old fashioned paper and pencil. 

Momentous Family News

Cartoonist becomes grandpa

Amid the tragedy of a terminally ill wife our youngest daughter gave birth to our first grandchild two days ago, Clive Arthur Hahnel. This is joyous news indeed.

His happy arrival in Brandon and Olivia's (and our) lives overshadows the glum view of Dr. Q. Did Qoheleth never have children or grandchildren? The text suggests he did, so how do we account for his sour disposition? We'll answer that question as the graphic novel progresses.

For now, this child is a powerful anodyne to existential glum. How can a newborn not inspire hope, faith, & love?

For all the puzzlements of providence there are hints (big ones in swaddling clothes) that life is meaningful, significant, and purposeful. Ecclesiastes isn't the last word in philosophy, religion, politics, science, or psychology. Thank God.